The Ark is pleased to announce our continuing partnership with the University of Michigan Museum of Art. This fall, “The Ark at UMMA” will invite student songwriters from University of Michigan, Eastern University and Washtenaw Community College to submit their original music demo in order to compete for a live performance showcase at UMMA and a chance to perform at The Ark.

A vital part of The Ark’s mission to present folk, roots, and ethnic music to the Ann Arbor community, is our commitment to discovering and developing new and emerging artists. This student songwriter series is designed to create opportunities for students in the U of M community to have their music heard, learn about promoting their music, and experience important aspects of the music business first hand.

The Ark at UMMA Student Songwriter Series will feature three performance showcases on Friday, October 1 at 8 p.m., Friday, October 22 at 8 p.m, and Friday, November 19 at 8 p.m. These showcases will feature the best of the student songwriters selected by the Ark staff from the contest submissions.

The Final performance on Friday, December 3 from 8 to 10 p.m. will feature all the performers from the October and November showcases performing in-the-round and will culminate in the announcement of the winner of the series. The winning singer-songwriter will booked for an opening performance at The Ark.

All events are free to attend.

Submissions should be sent to The Ark, ATTN: Emily Ross, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104. or via email to Emily@theark.org. Demos of original songwriting material and a short artist bio must be received by Friday, September 17 for consideration for the October 1 showcase, by Friday, October 8 for the October 22 showcase, and by Friday, November 5 for the November 19 showcase. All demo submissions must be entered by the deadlines listed and will remain under consideration for the duration of the series. Demos will not be returned. Students must be currently attending the University of Michigan, Eastern University or Washtenaw Community College. Only solo or duo acoustic acts apply; no bands will be considered.